Givenchy Incense, which version to buy?

Well I remember owning the surfboard shaped bottle, the very first, back in the early nineties. Loved it. I'm thinking of buying it again. I've smelled the les parfums mythique line version and, well, it's not to my liking at all. Much of the floral/femenine character is gone. So should I buy the original rounded bottle, or the later square bottle?

The square bottle is less expensive by about $30 which seems a fair whack.

Re: Givenchy Incense, which version to buy?

It's Insensé, not Incense, by the way.

I've only owned the rounded bottle with the flat face, so I'm not sure I can write off the later standard squared off bottle version. I would feel much safer with the classic old bottle unless someone steps up indicating the newer bottle is just as good.

I've only owned the rounded bottle with the flat face, so I'm not sure I can write off the later standard squared off bottle version. I would feel much safer with the classic old bottle unless someone steps up indicating the newer bottle is just as good.

As much as I've heard is that there are three formulations. Exact words were that the second is 'still worthwhile,' but I'd like to hear a little more from someone who knows if possible.

Though as there's only one of the latter bottles, and eight of the originals available the decision will probably be made for me.

Re: Givenchy Incense, which version to buy?

I use to love the original Insense', and I was also really disappointed in the Mithyque edition. It just didn't smell like Insense', really... You might come across Insense' Ultramarine, an embarrassing flanker which I don't think made much of an impact on anyone.
However, I remember the Amarige bottle, I don't really remember the surfboard bottle mentionned. If you can snatch the original bottle, just buy it. Two of them, if you can

Re: Givenchy Incense, which version to buy?

I recently obtained an original bottle (now on my sales page due to it not having a drydown that I thought was special), but never tried the newer ones. This version is very full, rich, and natural smelling, so I can't imagine anything produced recently being the same or nearly the same.

Re: Givenchy Incense, which version to buy?

However, I remember the Amarige bottle, I don't really remember the surfboard bottle mentionned. If you can snatch the original bottle, just buy it. Two of them, if you can

Apologies for any confusion but the Amaraige bottle is what I mean when I say the surfboard-shaped bottle. Sorry ^^;; I'm getting old and surfboards actually kinda looked like that back when I was a teen.

Re: Givenchy Incense, which version to buy?

I own both, surfboard and second version that looks like this:

They are definitely a little different but worth owning both imo!
The second version has less aldehydes and is a little less flowery but also more masculine imo.
The drydowns are pretty similar as is longevity and sillage (like 7 hrs and good sillage for first 2 hrs).
Overall the original is a little better but as you say also way more difficult to get and more expensive.
Mind that Luca Turin's review is imo about the second version and not the original and he gives 2nd version 5 stars!

If you like how the original Insensé smells like the second version is worth a blind buy! To me they are almost equally as good!

The Mythique version I never smelled. If you want to buy one of those go for the Vetyver which is more than excellent!

Re: Givenchy Incense, which version to buy?

Paying $194 for a "Rare" bottle of vintage was no great prize. It is nice, and I will wear it, and it may eventually become something to treasure, but I don't see the "greatness" yet.
Bottom line: not worth the high price for vintage.

Re: Givenchy Incense, which version to buy?

Joe_Frances, my experience with Insense was similar. Except I only paid about 30$ for a 30ml bottle in one of the small perfume shops in Toronto (the very first version of this scent). Gave it multiple wearings but could not warm up to the scent. I still own it, though, it's waiting for the right time, I guess.

Re: Givenchy Incense, which version to buy?

Originally Posted by Mancio82

Joe_Frances, my experience with Insense was similar. Except I only paid about 30$ for a 30ml bottle in one of the small perfume shops in Toronto (the very first version of this scent). Gave it multiple wearings but could not warm up to the scent. I still own it, though, it's waiting for the right time, I guess.

Yeah, at that same store the 50ml goes for $55, a steal for a vintage Insense. They might still have a few bottles left.

Re: Givenchy Incense, which version to buy?

Bumping this a bit as I've come across two bottles of first version: Both are not EdT, but After Shave Sprays, both are 50ml, new in box.
I can buy them for 35 Euros each.
Would you do this - given that it is AS?
Thanks for any input.

Re: Givenchy Incense, which version to buy?

Originally Posted by Roky

Bumping this a bit as I've come across two bottles of first version: Both are not EdT, but After Shave Sprays, both are 50ml, new in box.
I can buy them for 35 Euros each.
Would you do this - given that it is AS?
Thanks for any input.

Personally would still recommend/consider this, incidentally having had the opportunity to test the vintage aftershave spray of this one as well more than 10 years ago and having been pleased with its performance and the faithfulness of its rendition of the regular EDT version.

Re: Givenchy Incense, which version to buy?

Originally Posted by Roky

Bumping this a bit as I've come across two bottles of first version: Both are not EdT, but After Shave Sprays, both are 50ml, new in box.
I can buy them for 35 Euros each.
Would you do this - given that it is AS?
Thanks for any input.

I personally wouldn't as I don't use After Shave, but if you like the original scent and After Shave isn't a problem for you, then I don't see why not. Seems like a good price.

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